Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Gaotai, China, where the climate can significantly affect sun exposure. The UV levels here can reach a maximum of 11 around midday, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being aware of these levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With Gaotai's Dwa climate, characterized by warm summers and moderate winters, awareness of UV risks is fundamental to enjoying the outdoors safely. Stay informed and protect your skin by checking the UV Index before stepping out!
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun’s strength throughout the day. Starting at a modest 2 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs as the sun ascends, reaching 4 by 08:00. By 09:00, it spikes to 6, and before long, it peaks at an impressive 11 at 12:00, marking the most intense exposure. The afternoon starts to cool slightly, with the index dropping to 10 by 13:00 and then tapering off through 8 at 14:00, 6 at 15:00, and back to 4 at 16:00. As the sun begins its descent, the UV Index falls to 2 by 17:00, lingering at 1 through the evening hours, creating a gentle reminder to enjoy the sun but also to stay mindful of its intensity during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, impacting how individuals should protect themselves from sun exposure. From January to February, the UV Index rises gradually from 2 (low) to 4 (moderate), with a burn time decreasing from 45 minutes to 30 minutes. As spring transitions into summer, the UV levels peak dramatically, reaching 11 (extreme) in July; during this month, the burn time reduces sharply to just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are April through August, particularly in July, where precautions are crucial. From September to November, the UV Index averages between 6 and 4, allowing for more moderate sun safety practices, before dropping back to 2 in December. Visitors and residents are advised to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing during the high UV months, especially between April and August, to avoid skin damage and sunburn.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Gaotai | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Chengdu UVI | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Shanghai UVI | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Guangzhou UVI | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Shenzhen UVI | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |